Twiggy Baker’s banned from Mavs and’s charging Jaws

Words by Craig Jarvis  He may be banned from the Mavs event but former big wave world champion Twiggy Baker from South Africa isn’t bitter. He’s just frothing for Jaws. We got in touch with him just after the Eddie opening ceremonies to see what the vibe was prior to the biggest big wave contest of all time. Stab: How did you feel when you heard the Jaws event was on?Twiggy: I felt really good. I’ve been in the Basque country for the past three weeks surfing big windy waves almost every day so I couldn’t be more ready or prepared. Did you get going immediately? 72 hours is still a tough one from anywhere. I arrived in Hawaii in time for the Eddie ceremony and have had two days to settle in and acclimate so it’s all good. From casually big to ‘fuck that’ big, Twigs is over the ledge and eyeing for a tunnel. Photo: Marc Chambers How many times have you surfed Jaws this year? I surfed it a few times at end of last season but it hasn’t broken yet this season so everyone’s first heat’s in the same boat. Where is your confidence level right now, out of 10? I’m on a 9 What equipment do you have lined up for the event? My primary board is: – Length / Dimensions: 9’6″ x 21 3/4″ x 3 3/4″” – Tail Design: rounded pin – Stringer Thickness: Very thick – Layers and weight of Glass job: 3×6 / 2×6 – Board Weight: 10kg – Shaper: Myself – Make/Brand Logo: Twig Surfboards – Board History: It’s a new design that I’ve been working on with Daniel Keggie for the past year, shorter, wider and thicker. I’ll use this board if it’s under 20ft and barreling. My back-up board is: – Length / Dimensions: 10’0″ x 22″ x 4″” – Tail Design: rounded pin – Stringer Thickness: Very thick – Layers and weight of Glass job: 3×6 / 2×6 – Board Weight: 12kg – Shaper: Myself – Make/Brand Logo: Twig Surfboards – Board History: It’s also a new design that I’ve been working on for the past year with Daniel Keggie, shorter, wider and thicker. I’ll use this board if it’s 20ft+ and survival. Certain perspective and aw from the channel, Mr Baker’s an ant in a rabbit hole. Who do you see as the top chargers for the event win? Shane Dorian, Greg Long and Ian Walsh. What is your attitude going into the comp? It’s the one day a year at Jaws that you can let it all hang out, no crowds and maximum safety. It’s the day to charge as hard as you possibly can. What is your biggest fear when surfing big Jaws? The hold downs are extreme. So, to not make a wave or get caught inside’s as heavy as it gets. What do you do to overcome the ‘survival instinct’ of pulling back, when paddling for and looking down a big one? It’s all in the preparation, the fitter you are and the more you have been surfing big waves the better prepared you will be. Once the wave chooses you out it’s all about instinct. You have some great support out there. Who do you want to shout out to on a personal level? My wife Kate Lovemore Baker, my aunt Cheron Kraak, my mom and sister and all my friends and family back home. I am so proud to represent South Africa in these events and doing well for my country is all the motivation I need.